Zidane could reopen the door for Pavard after two years' absence

Next month, it will be two years since Benjamin Pavard last wore the tricolour jersey, his last call being the 55th selection against Italy on 17 November 2024. Since then, the 30‑year‑old defender, 2018 World Cup champion, has had a difficult period at Olympique de Marseille, which kept him out of Didier Deschamps' plans.

A fresh start at Inter under Zidane

Having returned this summer to Inter Milan, Pavard is finding his colours at the start of the season, with three starts to his name. On Saturday, he was one of the most prominent Nerazzurri in the Lombard club's 3‑0 Serie A victory over Parma, which fuels his hopes.

“Of course the France team is the France team, I’ve been there for a while,” the defender said after the match. “The France team, inevitably, is in a corner of my mind.”

He added: “Now, it’s true that I haven’t been called, even for the last World Cup. It will depend on my club performances. I need to play and, when I play, be good. After that, we’ll see.”

Benjamin Pavard acknowledges that competition is fierce among the Bleus, where “Zizou” places his trust in future players. He doesn’t put particular pressure on himself, believing that his performances at Inter will determine his future.

The question remains open: could the situation change now that Zinédine Zidane has taken the reins of the France team? Pavard hopes that his strong start at Inter Milan can get him back into the squad.